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Short walks with a BIG view

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Take a walk along the shore from Hawes Pier in South Queensferry (you start with the view of the bridges) through Dalmeny Estate for country views, views of Fife, views of Edinburgh, an unexpected castle and of course Dalmeny House itself.

At Crinan you can climb the hill behind the hotel, following a forestry path, to get some amazing views of the Crinan canal, Jura and even Mull.

It's a short (though fairly steep!) climb but the views are fantastic (and there are benches at the top!). Once you're up, you can follow a broad path along the crest of the hills at an easy stroll before scrambling back down for a coffee/pint at Crinan.

Totally agree re Dalmeny Estate walk. One of my neighbourhood favourites. I regularly walk it from Cramond Brig. Hawes Inn is a nice treat for a Sunday roast too before the return leg. Some lovely deserted beaches which my wee dog loves. I also love the Hound Point ghost story associated with Barnbougle Castle. @penguin

I'm a Scottish travel blogger and freelance writer with an extensive knowledge of travelling in Scotland. I'm always on the road exploring my wonderful country. I love remote places, history and the great outdoors.

I walked for about 45 minutes from the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition in Drumnadrochit and got this amazing view of Drumnadrochit, Lewiston and Loch Ness itself! Luckily there was blue skies and sun but I didn't get to see Nessie this time around!

That's the same spot that I posted about earlier up in the thread It's easily one of my favourite places around the village. It's one of those places where you pause and go, 'wow, I actually live here!'.

Dunadd (just south of Kilmartin in Argyll) is one of our favourite short walks with a big view. It is an ancient fort site plus where the ancient kings of Scotland were crowned. discover fascinating rock carvings including human footprints - does your shoe fit?!

My favourite historical site - it has such a magical feeling Apparently back then they were approx a UK size 4 shoe if my wee foot is anything to go by.

I'm a Scottish travel blogger and freelance writer with an extensive knowledge of travelling in Scotland. I'm always on the road exploring my wonderful country. I love remote places, history and the great outdoors.

For a really big view, a stroll up Corstorphine Hill in Edinburgh on a summer Sunday, then climb the Tower. On a clear day, you can see the tip of Ben Lomond, the Trossachs, Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to the west, the three Forth Bridges, the islands in the Firth, the Fife coast, Edinburgh spread beneath you, and the Bass Rock and the Law to the east. It's truly spectacular and easily accessible by bus.

Birnam in Perthshire is the perfect base for a lot of short walks with fabulous views. I would recommend spending a night in the Birnam Hotel or Jessie Macs Hostel (probably the best hostel in the country!), grabbing some lunch at Birnam Arts, and then exploring the multiple walking routes going in all directions. Birnam is also very close the famous Hermitage, with outstanding scenery!

If anyone is ever visiting Balmaha, east side of Loch Lomond, there are a few short walks I've explored with beautiful views across the loch.

Balmaha Millennium Forest Path - this is a circular walk of around one mile. It starts at the Visitor Centre, through the woods, a short hike uphill to Craigie Fort, more woodlands and then towards the lochside.

Inchcailloch Island (National Nature Reserve) - I love this wee island. Take the boat at the Balmaha Boatyard (behind the Oak Tree Inn). In less than five minutes you're dropped off on the island to explore at your own leisure. You can arrange a suitable time with the skipper to come back for you at the north jetty. It's £5 return per adult, £2.50 children (under 16).

Choose one of three paths to get to Port Bawn at other side of the island. Sounds like a game! lol

Low path (1 mile) ~ a gentle woodland walk with a few slopes, passing the burial ground and farm ruins

Summit path (1 mile) ~ a more strenuous climb to the top of the island (85m) and enjoy the views

Central path (3/4 mile) ~ walk through the heart of the island and take in the oak woodland

Ardress Hidden History Trail - another short circular route of around one mile - this is a beautiful woodland walk with hidden history to look out for. It's a great wee interactive walk for the kids too.

It has been many years since I've walked this though, so things may have changed a little. I'm not sure if the bridge is still like this. Anyone know? I have more photos on my blog or visit the National Trust for Scotland's website

We went to Moffatt in May, I had badly sprained my ankle and ended up on crutches the month before so we couldn't do as much walking as we had originally planned. We went to Devils Beef Tub and I thought the views were outstanding.

On the Isle of Skye last year, we visited the coral beaches and absolutely loved it, the colour of the sand, the colour of the sea, just gorgeous.

Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle and back is a braw walk, from the caravan site, past the Harbour, up to the War Memorial, then along the coastal path to the amazing Castle. We walked back along the road from the castle car park to return to the town, but it would have been nicer to retrace our steps back along the coastal path.

You don't have to go far outside Edinburgh to enjoy the huge views you can get from the Pentland Hills. Lots of trails and ways to access them. Check the pentlandhills.org website for information on the regional park or the TweedTrails website for walkers and horse-riding tips.

The Eshaness 6km circular cliff top walk in Shetland is simply breath-taking; one of the best walks I've ever done! Eshaness is part of the Geopark Shetland Volcano trail, so if you especially love geology, combined with beautiful scenery, this is right up your street!

You will encounter some fascinating rock features including Calders Geo and the Grind o da Navir. Also, look out for the abundant sea-birds including Fulmars and Oystercatchers. Explore and enjoy!

The Fife Coastal Path is a wonderful walk with many stunning views. While it's a lob distance walk it can be broken up into sections, going from one coastal village the next. The views are amazing and there are plenty of opportunities for refreshment along the way, including lobster shacks, chocolate cafes, fish & chips and much, much more. We walked from Crail to St Monans, which is 12 km and rewarded ourselves with lunch at the East Pier Smoke House

At New Lanark you can view two of three waterfalls as part of the Falls of Clyde within around a 25 minute walk. The first is Dundaff Linn which is visible from the village of New Lanark, and then you get to Corra Linn after a beautiful riverside walk through our surrounding woodland wildlife reserve! Photos by jennyserendipity and scottw1886 on Instagram

Can't beat a walk up Ben A'an in the Trossachs, it takes around an hour to the top (454m high) its rocky summit offer amazing views towards the mountain of Ben More & Stobinnian, the peaks of the trossachs and along Loch katrine. In fact the views are better than many hills 3 times the height!

@Gilly@SuzieD@VisitScotlandSarahW the Eildon Hills walk in the Scottish Borders is a real stunner especially at this time of year when the heather is in bloom. There are three peaks but there's really no need to climb the Mid Hill and West Hill peaks unless you really feel the need to. I suggest climbing just the North Hill peak which is relatively easy to do and you are rewarded with fantastic views in all directions. These photo were taken from North Hill peak yesterday.

Looks braw! I was watching Cameron McNeish's End to End the other night, and just been looking at the accompanying book. The Eildon Hills feature in both and I was just thinking I would check out the Walk Highlands route and start planning a wee day trip